The Weinstein Company has acquired the U.S. distribution rights for the boxing biopic Hands of Stone at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, according to Deadline. The movie follows iconic boxer Robert Duran (Edgar Ramirez, Deliver Us From Evil) as he prepares with his trainer Ray Arcel (Robert De Niro, The Intern) for his fights against champion boxer Sugar Ray Leonard (Usher, Muppets Most Wanted).
One important aspect of the deal is that it includes a 2,000-screen commitment, which is unprecedented for a Latino film. Given the cast and the success of other boxing films like The Fighter, the movie is in prime position to get a winter release date in time for awards season. Hands of Stone is the first English-language film from writer and director Jonathan Jakubowicz (Secuestro Express).
Another benefit for The Weinstein Company is that they could be getting in early on the Edgar Ramirez bandwagon. The actor is starring as Bodhi in the Point Break remake and will also star alongside De Niro in Joy, the next movie from David O. Russell (American Hustle) centered on inventor Joy Mangano (Jennifer Lawrence). Hands of Stone is currently expected to open on October 30, 2015.
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